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By Misty Strieff Prine “Wherever a beautiful soul has been, there is a trail of beautiful memories.” Ronald Reagan. I know of so many today that have lost loved ones in our community and surrounding areas. Grief doesn’t just apply to the recent but lingers through the years. Losing someone you love leaves an emptiness that cannot be filled. We are human beings and to grieve is normal. Everyone processes grief in their own way. We need to be mindful of that and gentle with one another. Grief can overwhelm you and weigh heavily on your heart. However, as Christians, if your loved one knew Jesus as their Savior, you have a peace of knowing where they are today. What a celebration they are having there and, although you miss them tremendously here, you know that you’ll see them again one day because you’ve accepted Jesus as well. The promise we have in Jesus is the most beautiful peace we could ever ask for. Our hearts will forever sting here but we must hold on to the precious memories that we have of our loved ones and know that, through Jesus, they have been made whole again. If you are grieving today, I want to pray for you. Dear Lord, I pray today for those who are grieving the loss of their loved one. I pray that you will give them a peace that only You can give. Give them the strength they need to get by day by day. Lord, I lift them up to You today and I pray they will lean on You each day and remember they are never alone. In Jesus name, Amen. “The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; He delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” ~Psalm 34:17-18~

By Jessica Breazeale Yemy Wolfe during one of her regular runs around Wesson. Tell us about yourself — where are you from originally? I was born in Colombia, South America. I was adopted at the age of five and moved to Alabama in 1999. It was quite a journey — a new country, a new language, a new life — but it shaped everything about who I am today. I attended the Alabama School for the Deaf in Talladega, Alabama, for both middle school and high school, graduating in 2010. How did you end up in Wesson? I moved here in 2017. My mother accepted a new position at Belhaven University, and Wesson became home for our family from that point forward. It has been a wonderful community to settle into. Why do you choose to stay in Wesson? I have always loved small towns — there is a warmth and closeness here that is hard to find anywhere else. Being near my family is a big part of it, too. And one of my favorite things is meeting new friends and teaching them sign language. It opens up a whole new world of communication for people, and I love being the one to share that with them. What do you like to do with your free time? I stay active — I enjoy running and walking, which helps clear my mind and keeps me grounded. On fall Saturdays, you will find me cheering on Alabama football. Roll Tide! Beyond sports, I genuinely treasure time spent socializing with friends. Those connections matter deeply to me. Are you involved in the community here in Wesson? I volunteer at Copiah Nutrition, and it has become such a meaningful part of my week. My best friend Ana teaches me how to make healthy, delicious teas — I love learning something new while spending time with her. I also enjoy meeting new people there and attending the weekly Bible study. We help with GOAT Camps too, which is just so much fun! Giving back is something I feel strongly about — it connects directly to my faith and my values. Community means showing up for one another. Do you have any pets? I have one dog named Lou Lou and three cats — Pumpkin, Pearly Mae and Lilly. They keep life interesting and the house full of personality. What are the things in life that matter most to you? My family comes first, always. Beyond that, I am driven by helping others and by the satisfaction of working as part of a team toward something meaningful. When everyone pulls together, remarkable things happen. What dreams or goals are you working toward? I would love to buy a house — to put down real roots here and have a place to call my own. I also hope to travel more with my family and friends. Seeing new places together, making memories — that is something I look forward to. Is there anything you would like your neighbors to know about you? I am deaf, and I communicate through American Sign Language. I am also a Christian, and my faith is central to everything I do. I love the deaf community deeply, and my church is an important part of my life. If you see me around town, please do not hesitate to say hello — I am always happy to meet a new neighbor.

By Bob Garver Poster credit IMDB From the fifth “Scream” movie proving a shockingly strong January release in 2022 to “Backrooms” opening to over $81 million just last weekend, the past few years have been some of the best ever for the horror genre. So it makes sense that this would be a good time to revive the “Scary Movie” franchise and spoof some contemporary classics. And not only are franchise mainstays Anna Faris and Regina Hall back for this sixth installment after missing the fifth, but originators Marlon and Shawn Wayans are back after absences from the third, fourth, and fifth. Everything is in place for this silly movie to give its audience a seriously good time, but it turns out the movie itself is an unfunny joke. Following an actually-promising opening sequence featuring recent Golden Globe winner Teyana Taylor, the loose premise kicks in: a new Ghostface is terrorizing the families of Cindy Campbell (Faris) and Brenda Meeks (Hall). Cindy, now a parody of Jamie Lee Curtis in the recent “Halloween” reboot, has estranged daughters Sara (Olivia Rose Keegan) and Tuesday (Savannah Lee Nassif), based on sisters Sam and Tara from the 2022 “Scream” (with Tuesday also a spoof of Wednesday Addams, because Jenna Ortega has played both Tara and Wednesday). Brenda, a parody of Octavia Spencer in “Ma,” has son Brad (Gregg Wayans) and nonbinary child Dei (Sydney Park), based on twins Chad and Mindy from the 2022 “Scream.” Since the 2022 “Scream” is apparently the only movie being parodied that the filmmakers have watched closely, you can probably guess how Sara’s boyfriend Jack (Cameron Scott Roberts) and Brad’s girlfriend Elle (Ruby Snowber) figure in. Of course, Cindy and Brenda aren’t the only familiar faces. Brenda’s stoner brother Shorty (Marlon Wayans) still lives in town, attending the same school as his niece and nephew because he’s too stupid to graduate. Brenda’s ex-gay (though still very gay) ex-boyfriend Ray (Shawn Wayans) is also back in the picture. Other returning characters include bumbling Officer Doofy (Dave Sheridan, also the voice of Ghostface), reporter Gail Hailstorm (Cheri Oteri, here to parody Demi Moore in “The Substance”), weirdo Hanson (Chris Elliot, doing Nicolas Cage in “Longlegs”), and presumed original killer Bobby (Jon Abrahams, offering little more than a “Smile). The movie blows one opportunity after another to get in juicy gags about the recent glut of successful horror movies. “Sinners”? The movie can’t do more than set a series of sex jokes at a church and have corny white people show up uninvited at a black party. “Weapons”? This movie knows about “the run,” but can’t have its characters do anything funnier than yell “Six Seven” and get hit by a car, this franchise’s go-to lazy way of ending a scene. The only parody that really worked at my screening (and it did work – the audience was roaring) was of an animated movie that I’m not sure qualifies as “scary,” though I guess demons are in the vicinity of scary. There’s minimal heart at work in this new version of “Scary Movie,” and even less brain. I know to expect “dumb” humor from this franchise, but the people who made this movie simply didn’t do their homework. Example: a character goes over the top with emotion in one scene, and another character corrects her, “Stop trying to win an Oscar. It’ll never happen for a horror movie. Just ask Demi Moore.” Yes, Demi Moore did lose in her Oscar bid for “The Substance” (to 2022 “Scream” cast member Mikey Madison), but you know who did win an Oscar for a horror movie? Amy Madigan for “Weapons.” I could overlook that blunder – even in a movie that parodies “Weapons” – if there hadn’t been a reference in the beginning of the movie to Teyana Taylor losing the Oscar that Madigan won. How can I care about this “Scary Movie” when it doesn’t care about its own scary movies? Grade: C- “Scary Movie” is rated R for crude sexual content, graphic nudity, strong violence, and drug content and language throughout. Its running time is 96 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at rrg251@nyu.edu.

Special to Wesson News On stage at Carnegie Hall For many of them, it started with doubt. A twenty-year-old from Brookhaven who thought the invitation had to be a joke. A shy teenager who had only ever sung alone. A young woman who joined the choir simply because a persistent friend wouldn’t take no for an answer. But on Memorial Day weekend, twenty-four from Copiah-Lincoln Community College (Co-Lin) stood on one of the most storied stages in the world — Carnegie Hall — and performed a world premiere piece written just for them. “At first, when I heard the opportunity, I thought it was a joke,” said Cole Rutledge, 20, a music education major from Brookhaven. “There’s no way someone like me could ever go sing at Carnegie Hall.” He went. They all went. A Two-Year Journey to the Stage The performance was the vision of Bobby Helms, director of choral activities at Co-Lin, who was invited to conduct at Carnegie Hall in the summer of 2024. “This has really been two years in the making,” Helms said. From the start, he wanted to debut something original — not a standard repertoire piece, but something audiences hadn’t heard before. He reached out to Sherry Blevins, a North Carolina-based composer known for writing both her own lyrics and music, and the two spent the better part of a year shaping what would become the world premiere piece, “To Truly Love.” The collaboration unfolded across countless phone calls, texts and emails as the two worked to find a subject worthy of the stage. The work draws from deeply personal territory. Blevins was inspired in part by a family member’s suicide attempt, and the piece explores the weight of self-worth — asking whether a person would still be loved if they fell short of what others expected of them. “We wanted something that would be heartfelt by every individual,” Helms said. “Something that each person has maybe had dealings or feelings with — mixed emotions about various things. Not just something universal, but something personal.” “I know the singers felt every emotion,” he added. “There were family members and other people who said they were just in tears during the performance." The concert brought together four choirs: the Co-Lin Concert Choir, the Mississippi Boys Choir, the Presbyterian Christian School Choir from Hattiesburg, Mississippi, and the First Baptist Church Choir of Tyler, Texas — chosen in part because a featured composer was a member of that congregation. Composers in attendance included Blevins and Raphael Fusco, an American composer who completed his doctorate in Italy and now lives in Vienna, Austria. A Broadway star and vocalist named Chessa Metz also joined the ensemble as a soloist for the performance. A third composer, Richard Nichols of Texas, who had previously orchestrated music for one of Blevins’ earlier pieces, also participated. For the Students, More Than Music For many of the Co-Lin students, the trip was their first time in New York City — and for some, their first time on any major stage. T'Kijah Denson, 19, a pre-physical therapy major from Georgetown, Mississippi, joined the choir only after a friend from the college choir kept nudging her. “She came up to me saying, ‘You sound like you can sing,’” she recalled. “And she just kept coming to me.” The persistence paid off. Beyond the performance itself, she said the experience gave her something she hadn’t expected: “I gained more friends and confidence.” Denson was also quick to recognize the role the broader community played in making the trip happen, offering a message to everyone who donated or helped with fundraisers: “I would like to thank them, because, without that, we probably wouldn’t have gotten this far.” Alyse Chappell, 19, a West Lincoln native majoring in psychology and hoping to work in ABA therapy with autistic children, had a bucket-list reason for making the trip. “I wanted to see a Broadway show ever since I was like twelve,” she said with a laugh. “That was like the main reason I wanted to go. But also performing in Carnegie Hall was obviously a huge deal in the music world.” Cole Rutledge, who helped pay for the trip by working at a local restaurant alongside his choir and band scholarships, said New York exceeded every expectation. The biggest city he’d visited before this was Dallas. Then came New York — the vendors, the energy, the street life. He even caught the tail end of Knicks playoff fever, watching fans flood out of Madison Square Garden in celebration. “Just seeing the community of New York come out for something like that — even though it was something small — that was cool to see,” he said. Getting There The trip didn’t happen without sacrifice — and without community support. Students worked fundraisers, sold popcorn, hosted dinner theater events and even sold trash bags to raise money. Choir scholarships, financial aid, contributions from the college and its foundation, and a Walmart grant all helped close the gap. Helms was emphatic in his gratitude. “We want to thank all of the administration at Co-Lin — Dr. Middleton, Dr. Martin, Dr. Henderson, Dr. Baker — everyone in the business office and foundation office, and really any faculty members who helped with fundraisers or bought things from the students.” What They’ll Take Home For Helms, the moment of standing on the Carnegie Hall stage as a conductor for the first time will stay with him. But more than the personal milestone, he hopes students carry forward the message at the heart of “To Truly Love.” “I want them to take the text from that piece and apply it to their lives every day,” he said. The Co-Lin group said they also enjoyed touring the city, taking in a Broadway show, dining at Ellen’s Stardust Diner and taking a dinner cruise of the NYC harbor. They also walked Central Park and sang under the infamous Bethesda Terrace Arcade for onlookers.

Send responses to: andybowman839@gmail.com Think you have found your absolutely perfect dream home? Better make certain that amazing home you’ve found isn't situated near the local garbage dump. Even a 4500 square foot house, equipped with solid gold fixtures, with its own 18 hole golf course and a piano shaped pool off the pillared back patio can soon lose a lot of its allure and charm. All that glitz and glitter won’t matter very much when the wind decides to constantly blow the unbearable stench of stinky diapers, spoiled fruit, and rotted eggs your way. It won’t be just the distinctive aromas in the air - the pitter pat from the local population of mice and rats’ little feet running thru the mountains of garbage will soon begin to probably sound like non-stop cannon shots to you. Not worth it. You would be a lot better off to find a homey-feeling bungalow with a single tree in the backyard. In a simple neighborhood with good people. Far, far away from the rodent- infested garbage dump. In real estate, location is key. Any realtor with a grain of knowledge concerning home ownership will tell you that. You have to check out the neighborhood and its future demise or growth before investing your hard-earned money in a house. No matter how gorgeous and promising that mansion may look inside and out, things are not always as they seem. The exact same logic applies to the selection of your eternal home. When you have breathed your last breath of earthly air, and step out into eternity, you need to already have your new home promised, purchased and prepared for you. Thinking you don’t need to be in a hurry to find your permanent home, and waiting until the last millisecond you need it? Going to be way too late…forever. Because if you don't already have your eternal home in a fantastic location, paid for and waiting just for you, then the sad news is this: one will be already selected and waiting for you. And I promise upon the words of the Bible, you will not like what you will be given. But you will have forever to regret putting off that crucial decision regarding the location of your eternity. Because after you arrive there is no second chance, no selling your home and moving to a better location. A location that is far away from unrelenting fiery heat, rodents, worms and merciless remorse. Location, location, location. There is absolutely nothing more important to your happiness. It is definitely worth your time do start doing your research… today. Probably a great idea to pick up a home buying guide, called a Bible, and take a good long look at the two only possibilities for your future home.

By Jessica Breazeale The Wesson Public Library and Wesson Friends of the Library say they are excited to present their Summer Reading 2026 program, themed “Unearth A Story.” Registration opens June 10. The program kicks off on June 10 with a visit from a Hattiesburg Zoo representative who will introduce participants to reptiles. On July 9, Sabrina Cummings from the Mississippi Natural Science Museum will present on paleontology. July 16 brings a special appearance from the MHP Mounted Unit, featuring horses. “We are very excited about our Summer Reading Programs,” said librarian Marilyn Britt. “The programs complement the theme of this year — Unearth a Story — and we are also commemorating and celebrating the 250th Year of America.” Participants must submit their reading logs by July 20. The program wraps up on July 23 with Awards Day, featuring special guests George and Martha Washington and a Story Walk. For more information, visit the Wesson Public Library at 1012 Spring Street, or call 601-643-5725.

Mississippi has the highest death rate in the nation for Alzheimer's, a brain disease that causes a slow decline in memory, thinking and reasoning skills, according to the Alzheimer's Association. An estimated 7.4 million Americans over age 65 are currently living with the condition, a number expected to nearly double by 2050. The Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) wants you to know that despite the data, you may be able to stave off the disease by making intentional decisions to improve your brain health. People with one or more of these 10 symptoms should see a physician to determine the cause: 1.    Memory loss that disrupts daily life 2.    Challenges in planning or solving problems 3.    Difficulty completing familiar tasks at home, at work, or at leisure 4.    Confusion with time or place 5.    Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relations 6.    New problems with words in speaking or writing 7.    Misplacing things and not being able to retrace steps 8.    Decreased or poor judgment 9.    Withdrawal from work or social activities 10.   Changes in mood or personality Hinds County is ranked fifth for Alzheimer's prevalence for the second consecutive year, and Black Americans are twice as likely as White Americans to develop it. In addition to seeing your doctor if you notice symptoms, we recommend taking these steps to help prevent the disease. Alzheimer's is not a normal part of aging. For more information on recognizing and preventing brain diseases, visit https://msdh.ms.gov/dementia. You can also call the Alzheimer's Association 24/7 helpline: (800) 272-3900. Stay up to date on news on the MSDH Healthy Mobile App, on our website www.msdh.ms.gov, and on social media: facebook.com/healthyms, twitter.com/msdh and Instagram.com/healthy.ms

By Jessica Breazeale What motivates you? If it’s money, let me give you a hint. You’ll never have enough. If it’s fame, let me give you another hint. You’ll never be famous enough. If it’s your family, let me ask you this. Do they get the best of you or the worst of you? If you died tomorrow, would your life have meant something to someone who needed it to? Are you building something that outlasts you, or just filling time? Are you living by your convictions, or just your comfort? Who are you when no one is watching? Are you investing in people, or just collecting them? When’s the last time someone felt truly seen because of you? You say it matters. Does your calendar agree? What are you putting off that you already know you should do? When is enough actually enough? Are you chasing a life you want, or running from one you’re afraid of? Do you find yourself crippled by anxiety or stress from worrying? Let me ask you this. Has there ever been a single moment in your life where any amount of worrying has actually helped you? Are you living your life, or performing it for people who aren’t even paying attention? Who are you trying to impress, and do they even really matter to you to work that hard to impress? How long have you been meaning to change? What’s actually stopping you? Are you waiting for the right moment? Spoiler: it’s not coming. Are you so focused on what you don’t have that you can’t see what you do? When did you last stop and acknowledge how far you’ve already come? Do you really want peace? What are you doing to achieve that? Are you trying to control everything and exhausted by it? What would happen if you actually let go? Are the words you speak over yourself and others building something or tearing it down? When’s the last time you encouraged someone for no reason at all? What’s the bigger picture? No matter how small or insignificant you may think you are, you’re bigger to God than you realize. But don’t become so big that you’re the center of your own universe. If God’s not first in your life - over everything you think, say, and do…pray that He helps you see a bigger picture. Don’t be afraid to ask yourself the hard questions. Downloadable version

Special to Wesson News Wesson’s Boys State delegates included (l to r, back): Gavin Upton, Layton Cloy, Bryant Parker “BP” Robbins, Layton Earls and Braylen Brown. Prior to their departure, the young men were recognized at a ceremony held at Post 79 in Wesson, where they were congratulated by Post Commander Bobby C. Thornton (front). Five students from Wesson Attendance Center Participated in the 2026 Mississippi American Legion Boys State program, representing American Legion Drane-Prine Post 79. The delegates selected were Gavin Upton, Layton Cloy, Bryant Parker “BP” Robbins, Layton Earls and Braylen Brown. Prior to their departure, the young men were recognized at a ceremony held at Post 79 in Wesson, where they were congratulated by Post Commander Bobby C. Thornton. Boys State is one of the most respected programs of The American Legion, bringing together young men from across Mississippi to learn firsthand how state and local government works. Delegates participate in the formation of a mock government, running for office, passing legislation and experiencing civic responsibility in action. Commander Thornton expressed his pride in the selected delegates. “These young men represent the best of our community, and we are proud to sponsor them through Post 79,” Thornton said. For more information about Mississippi American Legion Boys State, visit www.MSBoysState.com or follow the program on Facebook at Mississippi American Legion Boys State.

Photo courtesy MDHS Facebook The Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS) announces a new mobile app and enhanced security features for recipients of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) launching June 11, 2026. The ConnectEBT app introduces a card lock feature designed to help protect benefits from theft and unauthorized use. As part of the update, all Mississippi EBT cards will automatically be set to block online and out-of-state SNAP transactions beginning June 11. This default security setting is designed to reduce the risk of fraud while still allowing SNAP clients to make purchases at authorized Mississippi retailers.The ConnectEBT app is available for free on Android or Apple devices, allowing clients to manage their benefits directly from their phones. Clients can register a new account or log in using their ConnectEBT client website username and password. Clients will have access to three security settings: Lock My Card Everywhere Provides the highest level of protection by blocking all EBT transactions until the client chooses to unlock the card. Block-High Risk Transactions (Default Setting) Blocks all online and out-of-state SNAP transactions while still allowing purchases at authorized Mississippi retailers. Unlock My Card Everywhere Allows transactions wherever EBT cards are accepted, including online and out-of-state purchases. These features are also available through the existing ConnectEBT website. Mississippi is among a limited number of states offering the ConnectEBT app and the advanced card-locking functionality. Reflecting Mississippi's continued efforts to strengthen benefit security and reduce fraud. In addition to the card security features, ConnectEBT app users can also: Change their EBT PIN Lock and unlock their EBT cards between purchases Monitor their account activity Clients who need to make online purchases or use their SNAP benefits while traveling can adjust their security settings through: ConnectEBT App: Available for free on Apple and Google Play ConnectEBT Website: Users can change their PIN online via the Connect EBT website EBT Cardholder Assistance: 1-866-512-5087 (available 24/7) MDHS encourages clients to regularly monitor their accounts, lock their card manually or use the auto-lock feature following every purchase and change their EBT PIN at least monthly. For more information on the new security features and ConnectEBT, visit https://www.mdhs.ms.gov/help/snap/upcoming-snap-updates/.

Special to Wesson News Wesson Attendance Center is gearing up for the upcoming school year with registration opportunities for both new and returning students. New students must register in person on July 17, by appointment only. Parents and guardians should contact Mrs. McCormick at 601-643-2221 between June 1–12 to schedule an appointment. Documents required for registration include a birth certificate, original State Immunization Form 121, and three proofs of residency. Proof of residency should include one document from each of the following groups: Group 1 - mortgage/property deed, rental agreement, or homestead exemption tax form, and Group 2 - utility bill dated within the last two months — no cell phone bills, and Group 3 - driver’s license, voter’s registration card, or automobile registration. Returning students can complete registration online now through the ActiveParent portal at ms1500.activeparent.net. For step-by-step instructions, visit register.copiah.ms. All three proofs of residency must be uploaded before submitting — incomplete submissions will be returned unprocessed. Incoming seventh graders must also submit an updated State Immunization Form 121. For assistance with user names, passwords, or general questions, text or email register.wac@copiah.ms with the student’s name and date of birth. For families who need hands-on help, staff will be available on July 20 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. to assist with returning student registration.

by Misty Strieff Prine “There is no pillow so soft as a clear conscience.” – Unknown Let me ask you a question today. Do you have a clear conscience, or do you have a cluttered one? Do you have regrets or are you at peace? If you have a heavy conscience or are burdened with regrets today, you must clean that up. Life is too short to lay your head on a pillow of hurt and regret. Think about it for a second. Are you going to get a more peaceful sleep on a brick or on a feather pillow? If you lay your head down at night and all you can think about is how you said something that hurt someone today or how you are holding on to unforgiveness towards someone that has hurt you...that weighs heavily on your conscience and brings your peace level way down. Now if tomorrow, you go to that person and apologize for a word spoken out of frustration or a bad day...guess what? That pillow is going to be super soft tomorrow night. If you forgive someone that hurts you, even when they are not sorry or don't even think they did anything wrong.... super soft pillow once again! Some may think you have to go to that person and verbally forgive them. Nope, that's not necessarily the case. Forgiveness is something that you must deal with personally within your heart. You must find peace in that hurt. Is it easy to do? Nope. Is it worth it? You better believe it is. Forgiveness is one of the most healing aspects in the life of a Christian. So today, if this message applies to you in any way, please pray about it and make things right. Life's too short to let ill will towards someone steal your joy...that same joy that God intended for you to have. So, get that stuff fixed my friends so that you can sleep on a pillow of forgiveness and peace tonight. In doing so, you will get the best sleep of your life today and every day forward.